Statistical Analysis of the Relationship Between Anaesthesia and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes in Cesarean Deliveries

Muawieh O. Ababneh; Rana O. Akasheh; Eman  M. Sheyab; Hana A. Alshikh; Ahmad A. Al-Omari; Zaid A. Shaheen; Kamlah A. AL-Olimat; Anas H. Alkhawaldah; Ahmed M. Abu-Ryash

doi:10.63332/joph.v5i4.1177

Authors

Muawieh O. Ababneh Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Isra University, Amman, Jordan
Rana O. Akasheh Department of Anesthesiology, Abdali Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
Eman M. Sheyab Department of Anesthesiology, Abdali Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
Hana A. Alshikh Department of Anesthesiology, Abdali Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Ahmad A. Al-Omari Department of Anesthesiology, Abdali Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Zaid A. Shaheen Department of Anesthesiology, Abdali Hospital, Amman, Jordan
Kamlah A. AL-Olimat Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Zarqa University, Zarqa, Jordan.
Anas H. Alkhawaldah Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
Ahmed M. Abu-Ryash Department of Technology of Anesthesiology, College of Allied Medical Sciences, Isra University, Amman, Jordan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63332/joph.v5i4.1177

Keywords:

Apgar score, cesarean section, fetal outcomes, general anesthesia, maternal complications, NICU admission, regional anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, statistical analysis

Abstract

Cesarean Section deliveries have seen a significant global rise over the past few decades, prompting closer examination of clinical practices that affect maternal and fetal outcomes. One such factor is the choice of anesthesia General Anesthesia (GA) versus Regional Anesthesia (RA), including spinal and epidural methods. This distinction can substantially influence immediate surgical risks, recovery time, neonatal health, and even long-term outcomes.

This study employed a comparative statistical analysis based on 20 peer-reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025. Inclusion criteria focused on observational, cohort, and meta-analytical research involving elective and emergency cesarean sections. Outcomes assessed included maternal hemodynamic stability, surgical duration, glycemic stress response, recovery time, and fetal Apgar scores, NICU admissions, and neurodevelopmental markers. Data were grouped by anesthesia type and analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and odds ratios, with visualizations via forest plots and bar graphs.

The analysis revealed that regional anesthesia (particularly spinal anesthesia) is consistently associated with better maternal outcomes, such as improved hemodynamic stability, reduced glycemic stress, and shorter recovery times. For fetal outcomes, regional anesthesia correlated with higher Apgar scores, lower NICU admissions, and fewer neurodevelopmental concerns. General anesthesia, while occasionally necessary for specific clinical cases (e.g., emergencies, contraindications to RA), showed a statistically significant increase in both maternal and neonatal complications in the pooled data (p < 0.05). Forest plots supported the reduced odds of adverse outcomes with RA in both maternal and fetal categories.This comparative review supports the clinical preference for regional anesthesia in cesarean deliveries, where feasible. While GA remains essential in specific contexts, RA offers improved safety profiles for both mother and child in most cases. Clinical decision-making should incorporate individualized risk assessments, and further research should address long-term maternal mental health and child development post-anesthesia.